Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken gives this salad protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap in tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect for crunch, but you could also use Napa cabbage or even coleslaw mix if you’re in a hurry. Red cabbage adds a pop of color too!

Peanut Butter: For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter or tahini. If you want to cut back on calories, choose a light peanut butter option.

Honey: Besides honey, maple syrup works well for sweetness. For a vegan substitute, you could use agave nectar.

Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap other veggies like cucumbers or snap peas. They’ll still keep the dish refreshing!

How Do You Make a Balanced Dressing for the Salad?

Creating a tasty dressing is key to the salad’s success. Here’s how to make it come together smoothly:

• Start by whisking the sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. This mixture adds a nice balance of flavor.
• Add in peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mixing these ensures they blend well—it’s all about achieving that creamy consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper. Adjust to taste! If you like a kick, this is where the red chili flakes can come in!

Letting the dressing sit for a few minutes enhances the flavors, just like letting your salad sit after mixing it all together!

Asian Chopped Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red chili flakes for heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This refreshing salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including the time to make the dressing. You’ll spend just a few minutes chopping and mixing everything and let it sit for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to blend. Simple and satisfying!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:

In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, green cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together so that it’s well mixed, but be careful not to crush the veggies.

2. Whisk Together the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth. If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red chili flakes.

3. Dress the Salad:

Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Use tongs or two large forks to toss the salad thoroughly, making sure each ingredient is coated with the dressing evenly.

4. Let It Rest:

Allow the salad to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and makes the salad taste even better!

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Before serving, sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top for added crunch and texture. You can enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

Enjoy your delicious Asian Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing!

Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out or add your favorite vegetables. Try adding sliced cucumbers, snap peas, or even shredded napa cabbage for variety. Just keep the total volume similar to maintain the salad’s texture.

What If I Don’t Have Peanut Butter?

No problem! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. These alternatives will still give you a creamy dressing texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a great choice!

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Just give it a good toss before serving again!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the chopped vegetables and cooked chicken in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix them together, add the dressing, and toss. This way, your salad will remain fresh and crunchy!